Introducing Phototherapy

Introducing Phototherapy:UVB Phototherapy has been used for a long time and is effective in approximately 80% of patients, especially in combination with prescription topical creams. Technology is always improving and Dr Kate DeAmbrosis has invested in the latest technology and brought a state-of-the-art UV therapy machine to Valley Plastic Surgery – the Waldmann 7002. This particular machine provides shorter treatment times and improved patient outcomes.

What is phototherapy?
The term phototherapy literally means the use of light to treat medical conditions. Natural sunlight has been known to be beneficial in treating certain skin disorders for thousands of years.
What we can offer at Valley Plastic Surgery is Narrowband Phototherapy, which refers to a particular wavelength of light, selected out of the sun’s rays for its unique skin healing properties. Narrowband (311nm) wavelengths are particularly immunosuppressing in the skin, meaning this wavelength has the ability to turn OFF skin conditions that result from impaired immune control – such as eczema and psoriasis – while also avoiding exposure to other wavelengths of light known to have the potential to cause skin cancer.

How does narrowband phototherapy work?
Narrowband phototherapy treats skin conditions by suppressing inflammation and restoring skin barrier controls. This translates to reduced scale, itch and redness in the skin after only a few treatments. Our Waldmann narrowband phototherapy machine provides access to these healing wavelengths through the safest, fastest and most efficient phototherapy machine currently available on the dermatological market.

What will Phototherapy treat?
Our phototherapy machine can be used to treat common skin conditions such as psoriasis, atopic eczema, other forms of dermatitis, polymorphic light eruption, generalised itching, pityriasis lichenoides, cutaneous T cell lymphoma, lichen planus, vitiligo and other less common conditions.

Treatments involve standing upright in the cabinet, a closed-in cubicle that is lined with ultraviolet lights. You will not be locked in to the cabinet. You may open the doors and exit the booth at any time during the treatment. In the beginning treatment sessions will last for 5 -20 second intervals, increasing to a maximum of 5 minutes.
Treatment schedules vary on the skin disease being treated but are usually 2-3 times per week for a 6 week period before review with Dr DeAmbrosis.

How can you access UVB Phototherapy Treatment?
The first step is to make an appointment with Dr Kate DeAmbrosis who will conduct a full assessment and history of the skin condition and prescribe the best treatment plan for your skin.
For personalised advice, consult with Dr DeAmbrosis by calling Valley Plastic Surgery direct on (07) 3488 8118.

What is the Cost?
There are no out of pocket expenses. All UVB treatments are bulk billed and there is no out of pocket expense other than when you require a specialist review. This coupled with our on-site complementary car park increases the accessibility for this treatment.